Joint Operation Underway to Treat Sick Elephant in Ampara

COLOMBO (News 1st): A joint operation involving wildlife officials, veterinary surgeons, the Sri Lanka Army and the Police is underway to treat a wild elephant that suddenly fell ill in Sammanthurai, Ampara.

The elephant is a male estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old.

Although no external injuries have been observed, its abdomen appears abnormally swollen.

Authorities suspect the condition may have been caused by a gastric obstruction resulting from the ingestion of a toxic substance or indigestible polythene materials.

The treatment is being coordinated by the Eastern Regional Wildlife Veterinary Unit, the Ampara Wildlife Range Office and the Sammanthurai Beat Office.

The elephant was administered the necessary antibiotics on October 22.

However, heavy rainfall has flooded the surrounding area, creating challenges for the treatment team. To ensure that treatment can continue without interruption, work is underway to prepare the ground by laying sand.

Ten Army personnel have been deployed to assist the Department of Wildlife Conservation, while the Police are also providing their full support.

Wildlife officers remain at the site, closely monitoring the elephant's condition to ensure its safety and administer medication at the required intervals.